AUSTIN — Jurors considering the political money laundering case against former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay on Tuesday delved deep into the evidence, but asked so many legal questions that the judge warned them that they were getting off track.

DeLay only appeared in the courtroom at times when the jury came in to ask the judge questions.

DeLay had with him a copy of Empire of the Summer Moon, a recent nonfiction book about the Comanche people and their famed chief, Quanah Parker, and a TouchPoint Bible that allows readers to find Scripture relevant to their lives.

"No demons, nor angels nor DAs can keep you separated from the love of Jesus Christ," DeLay said, playing off of a verse from Romans 8.

Seven hours, then home

The jury ended the day about 4:30 p.m. by telling visiting District Judge Pat Priest, "We're making some progress, but we'd like to go home."

That brought their deliberations to four hours on Monday and seven on Tuesday.

The jury of six men and six women consists of a Republican, six Democrats, two independent conservatives and three independent liberals, DeLay said.

He said he was putting his faith of acquittal with the liberals because they were more empathetic. "I know them like they're my brothers and sisters," DeLay said.

For those not in the jury room, the day was long and tedious. To pass the time on the bench, Priest played on his laptop an album of Rodgers and Hammerstein show tunes sung by operatic bass baritone Bryn Terfel.

Yes to some, no to others

Several times the judge turned down jury down requests to clarify the law on money laundering. He granted their requests to review thousands of pages of e-mail messages, telephone records and a Federal Express receipt that showed when a blank check was delivered to Washington, D.C.

However, when the jury asked Priest for federal law not involved in the case, he told them, "I'm afraid you may be getting away from the decisions you must make."

DeLay is accused of scheming with two aides in 2002 to swap corporate money for candidate-eligible cash with the Republican National Committee in an effort to take control of the Texas House as a precursor to a congressional redistricting to enhance his power in the U.S. House.

DeLay is charged with money laundering and conspiracy.

San Antonio Express-News Reporter Peggy Fikac contributed to this report.